More films to fall in love with at the 2026 Alliance Française French Film Festival

Posted on 20 February, 2026

 If you’ve already bookmarked your must-see picks from this year’s Alliance Française French Film Festival, consider this your second round of recommendations.

With romance, comedy, drama and cinematic spectacle on the program, the Alliance Française French Film Festival once again brings the very best of French cinema to Palace Electric. From major international stars to crowd-pleasing comedies and powerful literary adaptations, there’s plenty more to discover beyond the headline titles.

Here are more films to add to your watchlist.

Cycle of Time

A charming period comedy set in a quiet 1950s French town, Cycle of Time follows a couple navigating everyday life, love and community expectations. Warm, nostalgic and gently humorous, it’s the perfect choice for HerCanberra’s annual Ladies Night screening.

The Richest Woman in the World

French screen legend Isabelle Huppert leads this compelling drama about power, wealth and influence. Elegant and psychologically sharp, the film explores the complex human cost of success through a commanding central performance.

A Private Life

Jodie Foster stars in her first French-language lead role as a psychiatrist drawn into a mystery involving one of her patients in A Private Life. Smart, suspenseful and emotionally layered.

A Man and a Woman

Returning to the big screen in a stunning restoration, this Palme d’Or-winning romance remains one of the most beloved love stories in French cinema – intimate, timeless and unforgettable.

The Great Arch

Set in 1980s Paris, this darkly comic drama follows an idealistic architect determined to build an ambitious national monument – only to find himself battling politics, bureaucracy and artistic compromise.

The Stranger

François Ozon’s striking black-and-white adaptation of Albert Camus’ classic novel is both stylish and unsettling, following a detached young man on trial for murder in French-colonial Algeria.

Jean Valjean

This moving origin story revisits Victor Hugo’s beloved character before the events of Les Misérables, offering a thoughtful portrait of hardship, redemption and resilience.

Leave One Day

Opening the Cannes Film Festival, this heartfelt dramedy follows a rising Parisian chef forced to reconnect with her small-town roots during an unexpected trip home. Emotional, warm and quietly funny.

The Musicians

When a wealthy patron attempts to stage a prestigious concert, the clashing personalities of the musicians threaten to derail everything. A witty comedy about art, ego and collaboration.

Six Days in Spring

A deeply human drama about a single mother trying to give her children a better life, even as financial pressure threatens their fragile stability. Tender, grounded storytelling at its best.

A Dash of Love

When a brilliant lawyer convinces her former university friend and a recently released ex-con to join her on a spontaneous road trip to Spain, an unlikely trio set out on a journey filled with humour, vulnerability and unexpected connection. This tender road movie is a vibrant ode to freedom, friendship and embracing joy while you can. Catch it as part of the festival’s special Cinewine Sessions.

Little Amélie or the Character of the Rain

Adapted from the beloved novel by Amélie Nothomb, this whimsical coming-of-age story captures childhood curiosity and imagination through the eyes of a young Belgian girl growing up in Japan. Gentle, poetic and visually enchanting.

The Money Maker

Inspired by a remarkable true story, this energetic drama follows a charismatic entrepreneur whose unconventional ideas challenge the financial system. Fast-paced and entertaining, it’s a crowd-pleasing mix of humour, ambition and heart.